US President Donald Trump said that he has demanded about seven countries send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, as Iranian strikes continued to rain down on Gulf countries early Monday.
Trump said the US is negotiating with countries heavily reliant on Middle East crude to join a coalition to police the waterway where about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil normally flows, but declined to name them.
Dubai International Airport — the world’s busiest — suspended operations after a drone struck a fuel tank, starting a fire. Authorities said it was quickly contained and no injuries were reported.
Iranian officials have recently accused the UAE of allowing its territory to be used for attacks against Iran. United Arab Emirates officials say Dubai International Airport has gradually resumed some flights at hours after a drone strike. Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced flights are operating to selected destinations, according to the Dubai Media Office.
A drone struck a fuel tank at the airport early Monday, causing a fire and forcing the temporary suspension of flights.
Flights resume at Dubai airport
United Arab Emirates officials say Dubai International Airport has gradually resumed some flights at hours after a drone strike.
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced flights are operating to selected destinations, according to the Dubai Media Office.
A drone struck a fuel tank at the airport early Monday, causing a fire and forcing the temporary suspension of flights. Dubai International Airport is the world’s busiest airport for international travel and a key hub for many routes linking the East and West.
Saudi air defenses down large drone attack
Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said early Monday it downed an additional large barrage of 35 drones in the country’s eastern region, one of the kingdom’s least dense, close to Iran and home to major oil installations. This brings the total number of drones intercepted to at least 60 in the last few hours. The ministry did not immediately report casualties or damage.
Australia not sending warship to Strait of Hormuz, minister says
The Australian government says a warship won’t be sent to the Middle East to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to international shipping.
U.S. President Donald Trump said that he has demanded about seven countries send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, as Iranian strikes continued to rain down on Gulf countries.
Australia’s Transport Minister Catherine King told Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Monday she was not aware of Australia receiving such a request.
“We won’t be sending a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. We know how incredibly important that is, but that’s not something that we’ve been asked or that we’re contributing to,” King said.
Australia said last week it was providing the UAE with an air force surveillance jet and air-to-air missiles to defend against Iranian attacks.
But a government statement said Australia was “not taking offensive action against Iran.” (AP)
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